Why Buyers Are Looking South
in 2026

If you're paying attention to the San Diego housing market, you've noticed something: Imperial Beach keeps showing up in conversations it wasn't part of five years ago. Buyers, investors, and relocators who might have looked only at La Jolla, Pacific Beach, or North Park are now scrolling south — and they're finding compelling reasons to stay.

As the #1 Realtor in Imperial Beach since 2019, I've watched this shift in real time. Here's what's driving it and why 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for the 91932 market.

Price Per Square Foot Still Makes Sense

Imperial Beach has historically offered lower price-per-square-foot numbers than almost any other coastal San Diego community. For buyers who want ocean proximity without the La Jolla or Coronado premium, 91932 has been a sweet spot — and it still is. Properties like 569 Delaware St, built in 2018 with modern finishes and smart-home features, deliver the kind of quality that would cost significantly more just a few miles north.

VA Buyers Have a Strong Foothold

Imperial Beach has a long-standing military connection, and VA-eligible buyers remain one of the most active segments in the market. With competitive VA loan terms and no down payment required, military households and eligible buyers are finding that 91932 offers excellent value compared to other San Diego coastal ZIP codes. As a VA buyer specialist, I see this every week — buyers who qualify are often surprised by how far their purchasing power extends in Imperial Beach.

The Infrastructure Is Catching Up

The city has invested in its boardwalk, pier area, and streetscapes. The Bayshore Bikeway is now one of San Diego County's most popular cycling routes. New restaurants and cafes are opening along Seacoast Drive and Palm Avenue. The neighborhood is improving in ways that directly support property values — not through speculation, but through genuine community investment.

What I'm Telling My Buyers Right Now

If you're looking in Imperial Beach in 2026, you're not late — you're early. The market still offers upside in the mid-$500s to under $1M range for single-family homes, and rental demand is strong for investors looking at the long game. The beach lifestyle is real, the community is engaged, and the trajectory is unmistakable.

Properties like 569 Delaware St — modern, well-built, and genuinely special — don't come up often at this price point. When they do, they move fast.

"Imperial Beach isn't a secret anymore — but it's still a value. The question isn't whether you should look south. It's whether you'll get there before someone else does."